Tag: japan
International Trademark Law: Thoughts on Japan’s Post-Registration Opposition Proceedings
Most nations with fully-developed trademark legal frameworks allow for opposition proceedings with regard to newly filed applications for trademarks. Most jurisdictions, like the United States, provide that opposition proceedings shall occur during the registration process, prior to issuance of the relevant Certificate of Registration. However, about 10 jurisdictions allow for opposition proceedings ONLY post-grant of… READ MORE
International Trademarks: Japan has Embraced Color
Trademarking colors has been a complex and confusing legal history question. Color has always been allowed as part of the mark design, but for many years trademarking was denied for stand-alone colors and schemes. Even now the TMEP begins from the principle that “[c]olor marks are never inherently distinctive.” The US Supreme Court finally overcame… READ MORE